Statement on Threat of a Government Shutdown

December 19, 2024

The nonpartisan, nonprofit Partnership for Public Service today released the following statement from President and CEO Max Stier on the threat of a government shutdown if congressional leaders cannot reach agreement by midnight on Dec. 20 to extend government funding:

“Congress must find a way to resolve their differences and keep the federal government open. Government shutdowns are destructive. They waste enormous amounts of taxpayer dollars, result in lapses in public services, delay the delivery of vital grants and prevent agencies from fulfilling their missions.

“A shutdown now could affect the public in particularly acute ways as the holidays approach. Food safety inspections could be slowed or halted. National parks, federal lands and museums would be closed. A protracted shutdown could lead to long lines at airport security checkpoints and flight delays. And for the families of federal workers and military personnel, they would face going without a paycheck for the duration of the shutdown.

“The constant threats of government shutdowns, and the suspension of vital services that occur as a result, are no way to run our government efficiently or effectively. Keeping the government open and operating effectively is a fundamental responsibility of Congress and the president, and the American people have a right to demand better.”

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